Medication made me gain weight

ONE reader is looking for advice on how to slim down after her medication made her gain weight.

New medication has caused weight gain despite exercise and a healthy diet

Dear Coleen,

I'VE put on weight because of the medication I’ve been taking.

I’ve been exercising and dieting for months – with limited success.

I read that part of my problem could be down to water retention and wondered if body wraps and toning pads might help.

Although I’m on Income Support, I have modest savings from when I worked and am thinking about investing in these treatments.

My American cousin told me the wraps would help but only temporarily. Nothing else seems to work – what would you suggest?

Coleen says..

YOUR cousin is right – salon body wraps might help temporarily with water retention but I wouldn’t
waste your money on expensive treatments and gadgets that you can’t really afford.

First
of all, go back to your doctor and tell him you’re concerned about the weight gain. He might suggest alternative medication or he could refer you to a dietician to get help with making the right food choices.

If
you’re going to invest in anything, make it a good pair of trainers, so
you can go out walking or jogging every day. It’s a much smarter way to
spend your money. Being active on a daily basis has so many benefits, from keeping your weight steady and improving fitness to boosting your mood.

Successful
weight loss is also about being honest with yourself and not expecting miracles. Take it from one who knows – making small, achievable changes is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.

How do I tackle dominant woman?

Dear Coleen,

SOME time ago I enjoyed a relationship with a younger woman. I spoke to her recently and she said she’d, “Knock on my door soon”.

However,
she has a very strong personality and likes to dominate me in the bedroom. If she does knock on my door, should I consider it a “mating call” or should I just have a coffee with her?

Coleen says..

I THINK you should take it in whatever way you want.

If
she wants to come round, jump into bed with you and go off again, and you’re OK with that, then fine. If you just want to be mates and have coffee that’s fine, too. Right now you’re confused about
what she wants from your friendship, so ask questions.

Tell her you’re confused about what she wants and get her to lay her cards on the table.

If it’s not what you want, don’t be intimidated by her domineering personality – be strong and say so.